The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has indicated that it has been looking into the idea of standardizing the taxi system on the island, from the size of the vehicles to the drivers’ professional attire and demeanor. The aim is to shape them to be ambassadors, be able to provide detailed information to visitors, to speak proper English, and set a high bar in excellent customer service. The initiative is also being encouraged and supported by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), and the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), who will be working along with the SPTC.

All members of the different taxi associations will be required to undergo training in order for them to meet the required standards. Such requirements will include proper attire, special identification, and clean police records. Mayor Daniel Guerrero also spoke about an initiative to reduce the size of the taxi vans, which at the same time will help alleviate the issue of traffic congestion on the island. He mentioned a particular size of vehicle which he would approve immediately. “There are some small taxicabs that can take around four persons. They don’t take much space and are very comfortable. If anyone would get some of these small taxicabs, I would issue the permits immediately,” said Guerrero. He also emphasized the idea of standardizing the new vehicles with a definite color and design.

A few of the taxi drivers across various organizations agree with the initiative. However, they also have their own opinions regarding the changes that the local authorities have in mind for them. According to some, BTB started a similar initiative in the past, whereby all cab drivers were well attired and the point of tourism information for visitors. However, there was no follow-up. Others have suggested that the downsizing of taxi cabs will not work, and there are two reasons why. Many of the customers that use the taxis are families of groups of more than four persons. A small cab would not be the best option as most of the time, people want to travel together. Another issue was the high speed bumps in some of the streets; it would be almost impossible for small vehicles to go over these without causing damage.

The date for the training is yet to be announced, as the BTIA and the BTB are putting the final details of the project together. The SPTC will work closely with these organizations to guarantee the success of the program so that the island can get well qualified taxi drivers in the customer service area.

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Until days like today and their introduction to Belize is a drenching. We need some taxis, especially at Airport and Water Taxis that can take five or six people and their luggage and keep people dry and or cool in their Northern clime arrival clothes. We don't need hundreds of SUVs, Cars and Pick ups in the middle of Town. That's where the focus should be.

I'm doing some intensive research and found this ---- what a surprise ---

December 29, 2010Taxis Allowed Across the Bridge!?

Taxis will only be allowed to cross from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day; the speed limit will be 10 miles per hour (less than the town limit of 15mph), and they are only allowed up to Las Terrazas which is 3.5 miles north of the bridge.Mr. Ico also mentioned that there will be a daily recording of which taxi goes up north with the name of the taxi driver and license plate number logged in. If taxi driver is reported to be speeding and not staying within the road boundary, he will be penalized and not allowed to cross the bridge ever againWhile there are a few North Ambergris Caye residents that bitterly oppose to a bit more traffic up north, there are a few who don't seem to mind and others are very open to the idea. The development of North Ambergris shouldn’t and can’t be stopped as it summons more development and progress in the area. Taking positive steps towards monitoring progress and maintaining sustainable development is the way to go. A positive outlook goes a long way.

San Pedro BTIA to Assist with New Regulations for Taxi Drivers

Concerned with the troublesome excess traffic situation on the island of Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association held a meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2016, with tourism stakeholders and the different taxi association to address new regulations for the taxi drivers that the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is looking into.

The BTIA chapter of the island will work along with the taxi drivers to formulate rules for the taxi associations and submit the proposal to the San Pedro Town Council. Issues such as minimizing the number of taxi vehicles, reducing the size of taxi vehicles, maintenance or disposal of old vehicles, routine inspection of vehicles, proper uniforms for all taxi associations, proper identification for both taxi driver and vehicle, training for drivers (customer service/PR, road disciple), education/bilingual requirements, drivers having clean police record, regulation of taxi rates among all associations, among others will be addressed in the proposal.

With the input of the taxi drivers, the BTIA is also hopeful that it will work with the San Pedro Town Council to address irregularities within the Traffic Department. Some issues brought up in the meeting include: lack of properly structured taxi associations, no governing body to head taxi associations, existing laws and regulations not being implemented/followed, vehicle importation to the island, inactivity of transport department members, issuing of licenses and number of license holders.

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What ever happened to BTIA’s attempt to standardize taxis?

It’s been nine months since the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) San Pedro Branch president Melanie Paz put forth a goal to develop a standardization plan for taxi services on the island. The plan was to be a collaboration between the BTIA, Mayor Daniel Guerrero, and the local taxi associations. Since the majority of traffic issues entail speeding taxis and driver misconduct, people are wondering when this plan will take action.

According to Paz, due to limited participation from taxi drivers, the plan has not been enacted. The few that have cooperated have promised to gather relevant information to establish a mutual agreement. “We have hosted meetings, but only a few taxi drivers showed up. We have also asked for information regarding their licenses. To be honest, we have not gotten anywhere with it. We have not been successful in getting their input to see what they would like,” said Paz.

Despite lack of cooperation from the taxi drivers, Paz will continue to work on the plan. “We have not given up, it’s just been put on the backburner due to lack of information. We are trying to work with the taxi associations in identifying how and where improvements can be made. So it’s difficult because we have to depend on other parties to get all the relevant information we need before proceeding,” said Paz.